DYING IN THE CHURCH…Another One Of Those B.U.G.S.
So you are asking yourself, “How can one that believes in God and has His Spirit be in a condition that will eventually cause them to die?”
Let’s say for the sake of this subject matter that “Dying” implies that something has the characteristics of death, no longing living. So dying in the church would imply that where there once was life, now there are signs of death all around. Yet, you still believe in God!
How exactly do we die in the church?
One thing that has to be understood is that “to die” in the church means that there is a separation that has occurred between you and God. Death is separation!!! Separation from God!!
Even in the beginning, Adam was given instruction about separation from God.
Genesis 2:17 states…”but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Adam did disobey God and death was upon him but he did not die physically at that time. Adam would experience a spiritual death….separation from God. It was that death in which we today have to deal with its consequences.
So it would be safe to say that when we don’t have God, we are spiritually dead. This can also happen if we proclaim to be true believers yet alienate ourselves from God through disobedience. Just like Adam hid from God in the garden of Eden, we too can find ourselves hiding when we know that God sees all and knows where we are at all times.
This is something that all of us as believers must take time to fully evaluate in regards to how we live and reflect God.
Shouldn’t true believers have signs of life i.e. life in Christ? There should be evidence that something is living, breathing, and moving in the direction of having more life (eternal life). Yet, looking a little closer there are signs of decay and ruin. There is evidence of various parts not being used daily thereby resulting in the appearance of death.
Do you feel that there is something missing or empty within while sitting in the midst of worship service?
Do you find yourself not feeling anything when others around you are rejoicing?
Do you often find yourself complaining about the people in the church without looking at yourself?
Is it hard for you to get involved in ministry when it’s not your idea?
Do you find yourself questioning your faith and believing you are right?
Does everything seem to have a “but” to it when having a conversation that involves the church of God?
Is it easier to fellowship with those of the world rather than those in Christ?
Do you find yourself pretending to be like the others in church when the reality is that you just don’t want to be in their presence?
Is it becoming easier for you to slip out of the side door in the middle of dismissal to avoid interaction with others?
Do you constantly fall asleep during the morning message?
All of these questions may arise if you are “Dying in the church”. This is another one of those B.U.G.S. (Being Under The Grip Of Satan) that we so often ignore because it’s never our fault that we are in this state of mind. One thing you must understand… It’s always a root cause!! Don’t think it has nothing to do with your walk in Christ because it does!!
Let me say this, you are being fooled by the devices of Satan!! You should never think that you are above feeling and dealing with your emotions. Emotions that lead to being separated or indifferent in your walk with God. Satan will trick you into believing that it’s ok to feel these emotions because you didn’t cause them to develop in your life. Believer Beware!!! This is a trick to validate the fact that you are becoming uninterested in your walk with God!!!
Satan’s Grip will always show itself. It doesn’t mean that we have to grab hold to it!! We have a choice! Don’t be fooled! Evaluate and recover the ground that you have lost!
Christ is LIFE!! This is what we believe and stand on. Realize that somewhere during your journey, you have lost the desire to get closer to God. The desire to really feel God through His spirit, the Holy Spirit. You must find a space to repent for this behavior and recover the ground you are losing daily by not being close to God.
Dying in the church should not be a common experience. Those that are searching for life should not have to search through already dead corpses in order to locate a solution for their lives. There are people that come to the church in search of solutions to their issues in dealing with life. We must present an atmosphere prepared to provide that needed help. We can’t produce this type of atmosphere if we ourselves are suffering from a complete disconnect in God.
Revelation 2:4 states, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
Whenever we find ourselves in a state that will eventually lead to death, we must quickly search for answers to resolve that state. Returning to our first love in God will reconcile us with God. We must always consider how far we have strayed from God and seek to renew ourselves.
Our churches should not be filled with “dead people”. When we are disconnected from God no matter the cause, we no longer have that fellowship with Him. Our lives are no longer empowered by the Holy Spirit. That first love and experience with God have worn off and we are experiencing signs of ruin and death!
Satan just loves this type of behavior and atmosphere. This is another one of those B.U.G.S. and shouldn’t be in the church. We must always remember the promises that God made to us…. and believe that He will always be with us. Satan doesn’t want you to remember that promise.
The promises that God made to us should be enough to sustain us in times of turmoil, discouragement, trouble, and even the feeling of disconnect. It’s that old man wanting to resurface and take over your spiritual walk.
Let’s not lose our salvation to things that can be avoided if we just pay more attention to Satan’s devices. Let’s not find ourselves “dying in the church” because we have lost the main ingredients that make us true believers… mainly our first love for God.
We don’t have to die when life is offered in Christ. You must know your enemy and learn how to fight accordingly.
Don’t be lazy people of God. Know your battles and learn how and when to fight. God has provided the weapons of warfare…we must use them effectively! They work!!
Let’s not “Die in the Church”. We have a mission to achieve for ourselves and others. Now is no time to get restless and tired of the race. We should only experience the death of sin in our lives not the death of separation from God. Please know and understand the difference.
Please leave comments below…#StayingAliveInChrist. #DeathtoSatan. #LivingInChrist #LivingNotDying
Thank you for listening…
Prayerfully Submitted (An Unfinished Story)
Evang. Debbie Watkins
Disclaimer* These posts are no in any way posted based on expert input. My expertise comes from LIVING LIFE in the CHURCH. Please read with an open mind, attitude, and heart. Thank you.
